What Makes Solid Surface Different From Every Other Material?

What makes Solid Surface different?

Solid Surface gets talked about a lot, but most people only really know it once they’ve worked with it. If you’re new to it, or you’ve only seen it in passing on a project, here’s a straightforward look at what sets it apart from other materials, nothing over the top, just the practical differences that matter day to day.

It looks like one continuous piece

One of the most distinctive features is that Solid Surface can be joined in a way that makes the joins extremely discreet. You don’t get the obvious cuts or grout lines you’d see with tiles or stone. Everything flows, which makes spaces feel calmer and easier to keep clean.

It can be repaired rather than replaced

If something gets scratched or scuffed, in most cases it can simply be sanded back and refreshed. No drama, no need to rip out a whole section. In busy environments this is a very handy characteristic,  things inevitably get bumped, so it’s nice when a surface isn’t “one strike and you’re out”.

It’s naturally hygienic

Solid Surface is non-porous, so spills stay on the surface instead of seeping in. There aren’t little air holes, texture dips, or grout lines for anything to linger in. It cleans up quickly and doesn’t need special treatments or ongoing sealing, which is especially useful in healthcare environments, as outlined in this article.

It can be shaped when heated

Heat it to the right temperature and it bends, this is a process called thermoforming. Cool it, and it keeps the new shape. This gives designers a lot of freedom: curved ends, soft corners, rounded trough sinks, curved bar fronts, all possible without needing to source something completely custom from scratch.

It feels warmer to the touch

Unlike stone or quartz, Solid Surface doesn’t feel cold when you lean on it. It has a softer, warmer feel, which goes down well in places where you want things to feel a bit more inviting, care homes, nurseries, receptions, family kitchens.

There’s lots of choice, but not all colours behave the same

There are hundreds of shades and patterns available. Some wear more gently than others. Light, simple colours tend to be the easiest to live with; very dark or very sparkly ones can show daily marks more quickly. It’s not a flaw,  just something to be aware of so expectations match reality, take a browse of our colour selector to find out more

It’s consistent from batch to batch

Because it’s a manufactured material, Solid Surface is predictable. You don’t get the surprises you sometimes see in natural stone. As long as the batch codes are managed correctly, pieces match well, even across longer runs or multi-phase projects.

It works in more places than people expect

You’ll find it in kitchens, washrooms, offices, hotels, hospitals, bars, schools, receptions, retail units and plenty of other settings. It adapts well because it’s easy to clean, can be shaped, and doesn’t mind being busy.

It’s ideal for Interior Designers and Architects

If you are an architect or designer, and want to understand more about this material, why not sign up for our free, certified CPD

It has the added advantage that it can be repurposed and reused, adding to its value as a sustainable choice.

In short

What makes Solid Surface different isn’t one dramatic feature, it’s a combination of small, practical qualities: seamless joins, easy cleaning, repairability, design flexibility, warmth to the touch, consistency, and broad usefulness across different types of projects.

It’s just a very dependable material that earns its keep without making a fuss.

If you would like to know more about how Solid Surface can enhance your project, drop us a line, we love a chat and talking about new ways to use Solid Surface and showcase its innovative side.

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Nicola Barden is the Managing Director of BSF Solid Surfaces Ltd, with 26 years of experience under her belt. She is also a wife, mother to her autistic son, and has three crazy cats and one loopy dog. She enjoys training at the gym, dancing, reading, nature walks and being out and about.